15 February, Male’: The Joint Opposition has requested the United Nations Secretary-General to initiate and act as mediator for all-party dialogue in the Maldives.

The Joint Opposition’s request follows a statement by the UN Secretary-General on 2 February, reiterating the United Nations’ offer to facilitate all-party dialogue.

In a letter sent to the Secretary-General this week, the Joint Opposition, while welcoming dialogue in principle, expressed concern that the Government’s call for talks is an attempt to ease international condemnation over its recent actions.

The Joint Opposition is also concerned that the appeal for dialogue is a cynical attempt by the President to buy time in order to consolidate his illegal grip on the State — a tactic the President has employed before.

The Joint Opposition believes that only internationally mediated and guaranteed talks are acceptable. The Joint Opposition believes that for meaningful talks to take place, the Yameen administration must halt its full-scale assault on democracy, the rule of law, and the Constitution.

In its letter, the Joint Opposition urged the UN Secretary-General to urge the Government of Maldives to create an acceptable environment for dialogue. In order to create a conducive environment, the Government of Maldives must:

● Immediately and fully implement the Supreme Court ruling of 1 February, and release the political prisoners;
● Release the Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed;
● Release President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, MP Faris Maumoon, MP Abdulla Sinan, MP Ilham Ahmed, and their families, including Mohamed Nadheem and Siyad Qasim, and all others detained following the purge on the opposition;
● withdraw the military from Parliament, and allow the opening and full functioning of the Parliament.

On 14 February, President Yameen stepped up his assault on the democratic institutions of the Maldives, by ordering the military to seal off the parliament to prevent MPs from entering.

Five opposition MPs were physically removed from the parliament compound by the armed forces, who were acting on President Yameen’s orders.

Joint Opposition appeals to the international community to use all means available to peacefully resolve the crisis and hold President Yameen accountable to Maldives commitments under international law. Past two weeks is a strong reminder of the regime’s blatant refusal to respect Maldives Constitution and international law and that the government will not relinquish power at any cost.

“Police Service has handed over 2 individuals, a British national and an Indian National to Immigration Authorities. These individuals were found to be working and reporting as journalists while on a tourist visa, in contravention to the Immigration Act and Regulations” (Maldives Police, 09.02.2018).

So the oppression in Maldives is continuing as the PPM Party are holding lavish rallies, while opposition are met with police brutality, journalists detained and more MPs behind bars. The State of Emergency is used to harass and control all parts of society. They are now even taking foreign nationals as they are covering the constitutional crisis and the implications it has. We know this has negative affect as the Republic need a positive perception as Tourism is a vital part of the economy. On the 8th February Maldives Voice reported that 40% of Guest Houses are facing cancellation because of the crisis. That is big number of tourists who will go elsewhere for their holidays and honeymoons. Which would have brought needed foreign exchange and work in general for the people. That is why Fitch Ratings, even has said the volatile could change their rating and degrade the economy.

“Received information about an Indian national, Money Sharma, working as a journalist, who has been detained by the Maldivian authorities. We have asked our Embassy to get in touch with the local authorities to ascertain more details of the case” (India TV, 09.02.2018). There is also report that two Indian Reporters working for Agence France-Presse (AFP) who is also arrested today. While a Chinese Journalist has been allowed to take pictures of the protest happening today in Male.

You know it isn’t going well, when the Ministry of Defense are coming with this sort of statement:

“Ministry of Defence and National Security has warned that action will be taken without prior warning, against those who disclose information that endangers national security. In a press release on Thursday night, the ministry said many are publishing content which endangers national security, regarding the state of emergency declared as per clause 253 of the Constitution. The ministry also stated that live programs broadcasted on various media platforms are creating discord and inciting fear in the hearts of the public” (Vnews, 2018).

And the Police Service saying this:

“Maldives Police Service has handed over two individuals, a British national and an Indian National to Immigration Authorities. These individuals were found to be working and reporting as journalists while on a tourist visa, in contravention to the Immigration Act and Regulations. We urge all foreign nationals to adhere to immigration guidelines and acquire the relevant visa that corresponds to the purpose of their visit. We note that several foreign journalists are currently working in the Maldives and welcome all those who wish to do so in the future” (Maldives Police Service, 09.02.2018).

So the Army is saying people has to be careful with spreading news and information. Meaning, the Central Government and President Yameen wants to control the news and headlines. So that the tight-grip and the assault on the Judiciary doesn’t spin-off. Secondly that the State of Emergency doesn’t get into question, even if that is not following the Constitutional Codes itself. Since the Parliament hasn’t been notified or the proper reasons for issuing it hasn’t happen. Unless, that the President was afraid in his own skin about the Supreme Court Ruling of 1st February and had to revise it to save face. That is why the chaos has happen in the first place. Therefore, he is creating a police state, because Yameen cannot manage to loose face or power.

Yesterday, the Raajje TV was closed from Broadcast, that was the biggest Television broadcaster in the Maldives. So the government are working in full speed to takeover and silence dissidents. They are not accepting anyone else. That is why the Chief Justice Saaed is in jail, while MPs and such are there too. People who was ordered freed, but was overturned on the 8th February 2018. This was intended by the President to revise the order, but only solidify his attacks on the Judiciary.

A typical sign of oppression is while the government party PPM are having grand rallies and speeches, the opposition rallies are destroyed by the Police, even as they are acting peaceful in Male. So the gatherings are allowed for PPM and Yameen, but not the rest. That is typical sign of dictatorship, where government party has advantages, while the rest has to suffer for their freedom of expression. That is now shown by the state, with the army and police stopping media from working as normal. Even spreading fear to Raajje TV. They are not defending, but opposing free media.

While also keeping MPs and Opposition leaders behind bars, while stopping believing in rule of law or respecting the Constitution. That is worrying signs and proving how neglectful Yameen is at this point. Peace.

President Abdulla Yameen created a police state and a dictatorship, as he has interfered with the Supreme Court. Since he has not respected the Supreme Court that freed several of Opposition MPs and former President Mohamad Nasheed, who are in exile in Sri Lanka. Today Opposition MP Faris Maumoon was re-arrested again.

Other arrested was Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed. Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed was hospitalized. Clearly the state doesn’t care about their own. They only serve the President. As the President Yameen ordered the State of Emergency on the 4th February 2018. Today it’s the 6th February 2018 and the President has no put the State of Emergency to the Parliament, which has been suspended. Therefore, another pile of proof that legality and rule of law doesn’t matter at this point. Maybe why the President is still arresting opposition and judges who has followed the Constitution. So we know that Attorney General Mohamed Anil are not following the law either.

There are reports of secret movements from allies of Yameen. Like in Male’s main port there are arrival of Chinese Arms to the government. While there is also insider reports of Pakistani Naval Vessel into Maldives sea. That is happening while former President Nasheed asked for military help to oust Yameen from India. Therefore, the international interference in the midst of the crackdown is appearing. That is happening as the government didn’t want any dialogue with European Union Envoys, neither wanted to go to India for dialogue. That is sign of where Yameen has gone for alliance in the troubling time. The Indian government has suspended Visas for Maldivian citizens and also arrival for hospital purposes. Therefore, government personnel are hit by this and has to go elsewhere for health care.

So after the Supreme Court was assaulted and the judges arrested. There was a revision of the previous order, as the Maldives Embassy in India proclaims on the 7th February:

“The Supreme Court today revised the ruling and nullified the points in the original ruling that;

1. Declared that the Judicial Service Commission had no mandate over the Supreme Court Justices, overriding Article 159 of the Constitution which empowers the Judicial Services Commission to appoint, investigate complaints against, and give recommendations for dismissal of judges;

and

2. Ordered the executive to release 9 individuals (some of them having had their cases finished by 3 tiers of court, some of them having their cases of appeal and trial, and some of them under investigation.)” (Embassy of the Republic of Maldives, India, 07.02.2018).

So the people who was freed has suddenly gotten their fortunes turned, but that was expected after the Military and Police has assaulted the Supreme Court and the Judiciary. So many has been arrested and hospitalized. That is showing that the 1st February 2018 ruling was a danger for Yameen. Since he couldn’t stomach being question by the Constitution or the Courts who was respecting the law. Now they are continuing the crack-down and taking all power in his own hands. The international interference in favor of Yameen is also a worry. Since that is strengthening him and his fate. That is sealing him and making sure he becomes more vital. Especially, since the India doesn’t need more conflicts with Pakistan or China. They are already on edges because of other spats and border disputes. Which, could be escalated because of alliances and justifications to interfere in Maldives.

However, I have already scrutinized the State of Emergency, as it again has broken with protocol, as the President first didn’t have any of the reasons behind it and has now not had the review of it at the Parliament or the Majlis. This is proof that Yameen has no intention of running after the law, but creating the law for himself. That is why he interfered in the Courts and revised the Ruling of 1st February, that put forward this new crisis. Because Yameen cannot manage or stomach either the No Confidence vote in Majlis or the freedom of his opposition. He is a weak leader with an army and powerful friends. But he doesn’t understand the Republic’s Constitution or the rights of the State.

You know that Fitch is showing where this State of Emergency is really hurting the Republic:

“The government’s fiscal position is also sensitive to tourism. More than one-third of government revenue comes directly from tourism and some of the revenue-generating initiatives that underpin the government’s fiscal consolidation strategy are also tied to the sector. The government has been attempting to bring down the budget deficit from -10.4% of GDP in 2016. Fitch assigned the Maldives a sovereign rating of ‘B+’ in May 2017. This was one notch below the score assigned by our sovereign rating model, reflecting low reserve coverage in combination with high dependence on one sector and an expected accumulation of external debt in the next few years from the execution of large infrastructure projects” (Fitch Ratings – ‘Fitch: Maldives Unrest May Test Economic Vulnerabilities’ (08.02.2018).

So the sensitivity is now hitting Maldives as the Chinese, Indian and United States has given stern travel warnings to their citizens. That must hit the tourism industry, as they need the foreign exchange and funds it brings.

This is happenings as the State of Emergency is used to obstruct party meetings of parties like MDP who had a meeting at the campaign center Haruge. While there is reported that former President Abdul MaumoonGayoom been moved to the Maafushi prison.

You know how far the state has taken it today as this is reported to:

“Maldives security forces threaten to take action against any media that broadcasts content that might be considered a risk to national security. This announcement comes at a time where Raajje TV has asked for protection against threats to torch the station”.

With all this information. You can see that the information from Maldives is worrying, even if Yameen trying to make it look better. As he is sending envoys to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and China. We can wonder what is his plans with this, as the Maldives had already said they wouldn’t send to India. But however, the Maldives are saying they are sending anyways. That seems like damage control.

We have clearly seen that the Constitution and Rule of Law doesn’t matte to PPM or the Yameen government. President Yameen has interfered with the Judiciary and with the Parliament, as well as the public. With assaulting the two important arms of the government to secure his own position and worry as the Supreme Court judges was arrested and judiciary employees. Also MPs and others has been taken. The President want all power and not being questioned. Therefore, he didn’t accept that Nasheed also was freed by the Court on 1st February 2018.

Yameen has within a week destroyed his legitimacy and his ambition. He has shown his dictatorial side, his totalitarian side and his oppressive rule. Rule of Law has diminishing as President Yameen has proven his true identity.

Legitimacy and rule of law is gone, because of one ruling that questioned the judgment of the President. Peace.

The continued crisis that is growing because the Maldives President Abdulla Yameen haven’t respected the Supreme Court of the 1st February 2018, which the opposition politicians behind bars we’re ordered to be released. This order has not been kept, while he has instead arrested more Members of Parliament, used the military to seal of the Parliament. Where the Opposition MPs had plans of voting on No Confidence for the President, Attorney General and the Prosecute General. This was about to be hold and has now suspended the Parliament.

Therefore, the President Yameen and Attorney General Mohamed Anil must have now seen it fit the growing demonstrations against the oppression and aggression against the Supreme Court. That the President has issued a ‘State of Emergency’ however, it is illegal since the Parliament is suspended and military barricades. The Majlis isn’t open for business because of the actions of the President. The Constitution article 257, where the declaration of state of emergency shall be submitted to the Majlis within 48 hours. So the Majlis needs to be in session within 14 days for approval. That is if the President Yameen cares about the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

So when the President uses the article 253, that is conflicting and declaring a 15 days State of Emergency. Therefore when he restricts: “During this time, though certain rights will be restricted, general movements, services and business will be affected” (President Declares State of Emergency, 05.02.2018). So with the use of this article that says: “In the event of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic disease, war, threat to national security, or threatened foreign aggression, the President may declare a state of emergency in all or part of the country for a period not exceeding thirty days” (Republic of Maldives 2008).

Just to sum up key aspects of the misuse of the declaration today is that in the Maldives, there a no natural disaster. There are no signs of an epidemic disease, neither are the spiral of war with any nation. Neither a threat to national security and there are no signs of foreign aggression. So the reasons for declaring the State of Emergency is futile, it is a disgrace and disappointment of the man that supposed to uphold the law. President Yameen hasn’t in his declaration said either of this was the reason for using the Article. Since he didn’t do that, I am questioning why he hasn’t complied with the Article of 257.

Also article 254 are not complied with: “The declaration of a state of emergency shall specify the reasons for the declaration of an emergency, and include measures to deal with the emergency, which may include the temporary suspension of the operation of laws and infringement of certain fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by this Constitution in Chapter 2” (Republic of Maldives, 2008). The declaration from the President didn’t hold that information and only that certain rights were taken away.

We can see that President Yameen, has no intention of upholding the laws and codes of law. Only to hold power by any means. Especially now that the Supreme Court has freed the opposition and former President Mohamed Nasheed. Together with dozens of other MPs who was freed at the same order. However, they are all kept in prison and the court order hasn’t been respecting.

The Judiciary has already been under attack and hunted after. Today the Maldives Independent online page is down. That happen as the declaration came into effect. Therefore, the demonstrations and the questioning of power of the President Yameen is no illegal.

This chaos is created by the President and is all made by the one President. No one else.

As this continued the Maldives independent has reported this on twitter:

“Army and special ops have surrounded the Supreme Court and locked the judges inside” (Maldives Independent, 05.02.2018). The Security Forces are breaking the gates to get in was also reported by the Maldives Independent.

This is the seriousness of the aftermath of the ruling freeing opposition politicians. That hurt the pride and possible power-structure behind the President. So he now is extending his hand and trying to force his will with the use of the constitution, without the necessary reasons for a declaration. That proves how hungry for power Yameen is. Peace.

“We are working to make sure we can respect the Maldives Supreme Court order in a way that doesn’t cause any difficulties to the people” President Abdul Yameen

President Abdullah Yameen is no stranger to use military and use of security agents against state institutions in his own favor. He has done this before. Therefore, that he is doing it again is not surprising anyone. This time he extends the issues and pressure with the force, in a state of affairs that overbearing.

The Maljis, the Parliament was today sealed off by the army as the opposition planned a no confidence vote against the President, Attorney General and the prosecutor General. That means, they distrust the whole government and their affairs. Since he has also changed appointed several Police Chiefs in the recent days, I count three and is lost with the new leaders name. After the hold-up of political prisoners and the defiance of Supreme Court ruling.

“Several police and soldiers led by General Shiyam, the chief of defense force renewed their vows today, saying that they are ready to sacrifice their lives “in the defense of the lawful government”. They ceremony was broadcasted live on state TV” (Junayad, 04.02.2018).

We know there are battles ahead as the Velena International Airport of Male has been closed and all planes today going there has been sent to nearest in Colombo in Sri Lanka. That meaning that the government has sealed off more than the Parliament, but also the National Airspace.

During the recent days after the 1st February Supreme Court ruling of releasing the political prisoners and former President Nasheed. This has clearly rocked the boat of Yameen, who feels under threat. Even the Presidency own Press Release breathes of it:

“Highlighting that security authorities have received information that, sometime today, the Supreme Court may issue a ruling to impeach the President, the Attorney General advised all law enforcement agencies not to comply with any order that is in conflict with the Constitution of the Maldives, as the Supreme Court does not have any legal or constitutional authority to initiate the removal of a President from Office. Meeting the media earlier today, the Attorney General underscored that under Article 8 of the Constitution, all State affairs must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Maldives. He emphasised that Article 8 does not in any way exempt any institution or branch of power, and that all institutions and powers of the State must function in accordance with the Constitution. Hence, no institution of the State may exercise a power outside the Constitutional guidelines, the Attorney General said” (Presidency Maldives – ‘AG advises law enforcement agencies to uphold constitution and disregard all illegal orders’ 04.02.2018).

So that the Majlis are planning to undermine this power by a vote is seemingly distorting this idea and therefore, the excess of power is examining the issues within the Presidency. This being also resignation of Minster of Education Ahmed Riyaz, who stated to the world: “My conscience doesn’t allow me to support a government that is so reluctant to obey the rule of law and orders of the Supreme Court of Maldives” (Ahmed Riyaz, 04.02.2018).

Others who has resigned since 1st February 2018 are the Secretary General of People’s Majlis Ahmed Mohamed, the Under Secretary of Foreign Relations Fayyaz Shathir and Director of Prisoners Salman Rasheed. Therefore, the neglecting of following the rules of law, are something many leaders of the republic doesn’t stand for.

So when reading the court ruling of 1st February 2018, you know it hurt the pride of the President, that wanted to keep his enemies and opponents at bay. The legal system was supposed in his mind to keep them away, instead the laws and codes of law. Has saved them, but he doesn’t want to obey this legislation that prohibits this sort of hostage taking within the law-system.

Key aspect for me in the unofficial translation of the Court Ruling is this:

“Whereas the legislature, one of the three powers of the State has been suspended and unable to exercise its functions for a long time, and whereas no member of the People’s Majlis has legally lost membership of the Majlis since the date of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Case Number 17/SC-A/2017, the People’s Majlis, including those who remained as members prior to the date of the said ruling, shall in accordance with the Constitution and the law, conduct the first sitting of the first session of the People’s Majlis for the year 2018” (…) “Upon deliberation of matters petitioned at the Supreme Court under supervisory jurisdiction claiming: criminal proceedings were conducted based on political motivations; and in violation of the Constitution and the international human rights covenants acceded to by the Maldives; and the rulings were given subject to undue influence over judiciary and the prosecutor; and contrary to due process; the court finds these cases require retrials and judgments pursuant to the law and until a final verdict is reached, the court orders the immediate release of 1-Mohamed Nasheed of G. Kenereege’, 2-Mohamed Nazim of M. Seenukarankaage’, 3-Imran Abdulla of Mal’haaru, Meemu Kolhufushi, 4-Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor of H. Saamaraa, 5-Muhuthaz Muhsin of Raiymasge’ Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo, 6- Gasim Ibrahim of M. Maafannu Villa, 7-Ahmed Faris Maumoon of Ma. Kin’bigasdhoshuge’, 8-Ahmed Nihan of Venus Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo, 9- Hamid Ismail of M. Shuraa Manzil for the provision of investigations and prosecutions in accordance with the Constitution and the laws” (Department of Judicial Administration, Supreme Court of Maldives – The Supreme Court’s Court Order Number: 2018/SC-SJ/01, 01.02.2018).

So the Republic of Maldives and the President should accordingly to the Court Ruling review the cases of the individuals in question, who all are people that the Yameen wants to get rid off. That is why he is keeping them hostage and not respecting the law. That is why it endearing that the own press releases from the Presidency are addressing the law, but when the law isn’t apply in favor of the President. They are not abiding it themselves. That is what power does to certain people. Yameen has taken power and doesn’t want to have checks and balances. Which is the reasons for his fear of releasing former President Nasheed. That might expose certain wrong-doings of Yameen.

So with all of this meaning that MPs who was arrested are reinstated and also free. The same with the former President. If Yameen will release them and respect the court ruling. The same way they have arrested Head of IT at the Judicial Administration Imran Jawid. While also after the release of the Court Ruling they had shut down all the networks within the Judiciary in Maldives. As well as also hunting down Judiciary administrator Hassan Saeed Hussain. This all worrying reports. Not only disrespecting the Court Order, but arresting the ones who follows the codes of the law. It was the MNDF who shut down the computer systems of tAhe Judicial administration.

We know today that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement yesterday:

“The Government of the Maldives takes note of the statements issued by international organizations and friendly countries in relation to the Supreme Court ruling of 1 February 2018. The Government once again reiterates its firm commitment to respect the rulings of the Supreme Court and assures the Maldivian people and the international community that it is continuing to work with all relevant authorities to implement the Supreme Court ruling, in line with proper procedure and rule of law. The relevant state officials have sought clarification from the Chief Justice on the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling and shall carry out the ruling in accordance with rule of law and due process. As the ruling involves a number of legal and procedural issues, all concerned national authorities are currently working in unison towards compliance. The Prosecutor General will submit to the Supreme Court to clarify the identified issues” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Republic of Maldives – ‘The Government of Maldives takes note of statements issued by international partners and reiterates its commitment to implement the Supreme Court ruling’ 03.02.2018).

So that message to world was to stall for time, as the crackdown and purge continues. Even released prisoners has been taken back to prison. Therefore, the Yameen government and PPM are not planning to follow the Constitution. Only when it benefits him. That is why he used the military last year when he came into question and breached the Majlis. Yameen is doing it again.

Now it’s gone three days and the Supreme Court ruling and freeing of political prisoners is still not in sight. Because Yameen cannot risk losing his position, everything is stalling for time and waiting for a new order that fits his paradigm. As long as people are resigning, he will find loyal individuals for the positions, not eligible candidates. Since they are fleeing and leaving the roles.

We know something is wrong with the current system of power, when Attorney General Mohamed Anil have ordered the military and police not to follow the Supreme Court. That meaning the loyalty of AG Anil stands about the Constitution, because he wants to deliver to the needs of President Yameen. If that isn’t disrespectful to the people of Maldives. This now a military coup to take total control and leave all obstacle behind.

This will continue, don’t expect it to be easy for for Nasheed and not for the others behind bars. That MPs has lost their privileges and also their rights. As they are trying to vote for No Confidence. While the military are besieging the Parliament. Yameen must know that he is assaulting the key pillars of the state. Seemingly just for his own personal gain and not for reasons of upholding the rules of law. Peace.

There are more trouble at the high sea. In Male, Maldives, the President Abdulla Yameen and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Today, there we’re hold Court in secrecy where the Jumhooree Party leader Ibrahim Gasim to be sentenced for three years. There are even more MPs who has sentenced, since the President Yameen and his party really has an issue with the opposition, and their will to question the President. Therefore, he has attacked them and used the powers of office to silence them.

As the Maldives Independent reports:

“Officers from the Maldives Correctional Services meanwhile went to IGMH Friday afternoon to take custody of Gasim. According to lawyers, the criminal court has now lifted Gasim’s travel ban and the prisons authority has assured that arrangements will be made for his departure. The four-party opposition coalition has condemned Gasim’s jailing as “part of a relentless campaign of persecution” after the opposition secured a majority of parliament with defections from the ruling party last month. “The politically motivated charges and sentence were brazenly framed and fixed to strip MP Gasim Ibrahim of his Parliamentary seat,” the alliance said in a joint statement Friday. The opposition also highlighted “irregularities” noted by Gasim’s legal team, including the judge closing hearings to the media and the public, resuming the trial without preliminary hearings after the charges were resubmitted by the Prosecutor General’s office, and refusing to grant adequate time to prepare. The lawyers also noted that the prosecution only submitted excerpts from Gasim’s speech as evidence and failed to produce any witnesses to testify. “The sentencing of MP Gasim Ibrahim once again confirms the lack of transparency and independence of Maldives’ judiciary, and the breakdown of the entire criminal justice system,” reads the statement” (Maldives Independent, 2017).

It wasn’t only leader of Jumhooree leader Gasim who was sentenced during the day. There reports of 10 more Members of Parliament from the opposition. On of the news of Ahmed Mahloof MP, he was arrested while being interviewed by a journalist on Friday. This is while the Faris Maumoon MP is still lingering in jail. So the PPM and the President Yameen are really cracking down on the opposition.

Just take a look:

“The Criminal Court on Thursday commenced trial proceedings of 12 opposition lawmakers over trespassing on parliament premises, issuing the official notice of the trial to the MPs. The opposition lawmakers are being charged with obstructing law enforcement officers for pushing past security barricades and forcefully entering the parliament building on July 24 despite the heavy army and police presence barring entry. This marks the first time for the state to prosecute such a high number of MPs simultaneously in a single case” (…) “The lawmakers charged with obstructing law enforcement officers are: Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Hithadhoo North Mohamed Aslam, Henveiru South MP Mohamed Abdul Kareem, Henveiru North MP Abdulla Shahid, Hithadhoo Central MP Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, Maafannu West MP Mohamed Falaah, Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz, Nolhivaram MP Hussain Areef, Maduvvari MP Mohamed Ameeth, Villingili MP Saud Hussain, Thulusdhoo MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim” (…) “If convicted of the charge, the 12 MPs would face a jail sentence of four months and 24 days, but they will preserve their parliament seats” (Maldives Times, 2017).

So the opposition MPs are really under fire. The PPM are really wanting to get rid of the opposition. To take total control of the Parliament and the legislation. Because of this the people are reacting. Since the PPM are taking total control with force and misuse of power.

There are now reports that the opposition supporters and people are planning to demonstrate because of the crackdown on them. We should really worry about President Yameen, who are now fearing rule of law and justice. Since he cannot stand their possible votes in the Parliament. They cannot manage to have them there. The Parliament votes could oust speakers in the ‘No Confidence’. Therefore, the President are in fear of their powers and has to use his executive powers to silence them. Peace.